All posts tagged: bbq

Manning the grill at a barbecue is a serious job, especially if you’re also pulling double duty as host. Whether you’re a veteran or a rookie, you’ll need to stay organized as the grill and the party heat up. Here’s how you can make grill duty easier by storing essential utensils and supplies in a handy toolbox.

We all know summer doesn’t really start until you fire up the grill. But nothing dampens the summer party mood more than a grill that won’t light or smokes too much. Luckily, with a little planning (and some help from our Taskers), you can get ahead of grill trouble while your BBQ marinates. Here’s a checklist to start your summer grilling firing on all cylinders. Dust it off, light it up, and delight your guests with one of our tried-and-true recipes below. Check for signs of rust, wear, and debris. Make sure all knobs and screws are tightened. Gas grills: Inspect the hoses, burners, and gas tubes. To test for leaks, brush soapy water along the fuel line. If you turn on the gas and see bubbles, it’s time to replace or tighten the line. Remove and scrub the grates with a wire brush and hot water. For a deeper clean, soak them overnight in a 2:1 ratio of vinegar to baking soda. Gas grills: Clear debris from the burner tubes and make sure the …

Well that was fun! This week, Team TaskRabbit had a blast roaming the streets of Austin in a giant, mobile bunny. With its regal fur waving in the Texas wind, the TaskVan was the most majestic thing on the streets of SXSWi. We spent each day delighting conference attendees, smiling for photos, and doling out some pretty incredible goodies. Here’s a rundown of some of the week’s highlights: We loaded up on pies from Austin’s beloved Home Slice Pizza and handed out slices to everyone waiting for their badges in the enormous registration line. We handed out custom TaskVan T-shirts and awesome TaskRabbit shades to everyone who came near the van. We surprised people with gorgeous Sesame Gift sets throughout the week. The lucky recipients loved the beautiful packaging and thoughtfully curated gifts Didn’t get one? Find Sesame on the web, in the iTune store, or on Facebook. We picked up delicious treats from Amy’s Ice Creams and turned the TaskVan into a furry ice cream truck on the hottest day of the festival. We …

Summer has finally arrived- hooray! With a brand new set of to-do’s. Boo. Never fear- TaskRabbit’s here to help! We’ll complete those to-do’s so you can have the fun. How can we help? Check out our Top Summer Tasks… Install Your A/C – Everyone has struggled through the process of trying to install an air conditioner each summer; they’re heavy and awkward. It’s a strenuous task that can often take two people (unless you’re a pro weightlifter; in which case, congratulations). TaskRabbit’s Runners can do it all or give you a helping hand! Set-up/Clean-up BBQ – It’s a staple in your summer schedule: the Barbeque. It’s fun, relaxing… during the actual event. Throwing one yourself can be another story; organizing a BBQ can be too much, not to mention the cleanup. Focus on the important stuff (the relaxing/fun parts) and you can let us handle the rest. Pet-sit While on Vacation – It’s summer, so you want to take a little time off to get out of your home and go somewhere else; you’ve earned …

Farewell, Winter! We knew thee well! (Too well, if you ask me.) Let’s kick off Summer the right way: Let’s BARBECUE! Whether it be a tailgating party at your favorite sporting event or a cozy barbecue on the beach at sunset, you’ll need the Official TaskRabbit Guide to THE PERFECT MEMORIAL DAY BBQ! 1. Create the Guest List: Don’t be shy. The more the merrier! And this is a great time to invite your neighbors over for a casual meet and greet. (We like to use Eventbrite.com to send out invites. It’s Earth-friendly and helps us stay organized with RSVPs.) 2. Plan the menu: Don’t worry about having to fork over a grand to pay for all of the food. BBQ’s are a great time to have a potluck. Ask all of your guests to bring their favorite foods to throw on the bbq. This way, everyone gets to try new foods and no one has to foot a BIG bill. 3. Compile a shopping list of things you’ll need early: You WILL forget things. …